Storage device for an extractable hose, hose storage assembly and method for producing such a storage device

ABSTRACT

A storage device for an extractable hose arranged in an installation space. The storage device comprises a first housing member defining a first storage compartment. The first storage compartment is configured to house at least a portion of the hose which is extractable from the first storage compartment via a hose port arranged at the first housing member. The first housing member has at least one spatial curved wall section eluding the contour of at least one module extending into the installation space.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed to a storage device and system for anextractable hose, in particular for a hose being used in an air vehicle.The invention is further directed to a method for designing andmanufacturing of a storage device as well as to a hose storage assembly.

Discussion of Related Art

Hand-held extendable water faucets and hand-held shower heads are usedamong others in the sanitary area for e.g. sinks, showers, bidets andwater-closets. In most applications, they comprise an extendable spoutwith a handpiece, such as a shower head or bidet spray, that is placedin a holder while not being used and is removed from there while pullinga water hose connected to the handpiece for a more comfortableutilization in a certain distance from the holder. In order to allowsuch manipulation of the hose, several approaches are known for domesticuse.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,162,782 was published on 16 Jan. 2007 on behalf of theMasco of Indiana Corp. and discloses a pull-back mechanism of a handsprayer unit using a coil which is received over the water tube. When auser extends the hand sprayer by pulling it upward, the retraction coilis compressed, after the user releases hand sprayer the retraction coilthan expands and retracts the hand sprayer to its original position.However, the structure of the hose leads to a large tube diameter andhence a space consuming design. Furthermore, the hose can be tangled inthe installation/storage space with other items and as a result blockthe mechanism and induce strong bending. Consequently, the hose may bedamaged causing leakage of the liquid in the hose.

WO15177664 A1 was published on 26 Nov. 2015 on behalf of Paolo de Noraand discloses an extensible hose, comprising an inner tubular elementfor being passed through by a fluid and suitable for lengthening andwidening under the action of the pressure of the fluid. According toWO15177664A1, the extensible hose also comprises at least one extensibleouter tubular element overlying the inner tubular element and comprisingat least one surface portion made from a second material resistant toexternal stresses. One purpose of this invention is to provide anextensible hose characterised by elastic properties, and thuselongation. Even though such a hose is extensible, no solution is givento prevent extreme bending of the hose that may cause damage of thehose. Such bending may e.g. occur if the nose has to be stored in aspecified limited space when not being used.

WO15104067 A1 which was published on 16 Jul. 2015 on behalf of DSProdukte GmbH relates to a hose with a flexible outer sheath that allowselongation or bending of the hose up to certain degree which can berealized by some kind of accordion hose structure. An elastic band isplaced in the inner part of the hose, which provides a restoring force,to bring back the hose in the original position after being pulled out.Such a system is relatively complicated and restricted to a special typeof hose.

US 2004177880 was published on 16 Sep. 2004 on behalf of the Masco ofIndiana Corp. and shows a faucet assembly which comprises a faucet hub,a hose and a hose retraction mechanism, whereby the faucet hub featuresat least one hose guide that is used to reduce the amount of wear on thehose. The retraction mechanism allows the hose to extend from the faucethub. Once in the extended position, the retraction mechanism isconfigured to lock the hose in the extended position. Upon actuation bythe user, the retraction mechanism can retract the hose back inside thefaucet hub. An additional stowage bag for the hose is hanged underneaththe retraction mechanism. However, due to this setup the overallassembly does not provide flexibility in terms of where the assembly canbe placed since it needs a lot of installation space in verticaldirection underneath the faucet. Furthermore, even though the bag isadaptable in shape, the bag can still be compressed and hence disturbthe hose retraction or extension process.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Whereas the systems described above may be suited for domestic use, veryspecific problems emerge if used in certain types of vehicles wherespace for storage of a hose oftentimes is highly constricted and doesnot have the spatial dimensions that would be needed in order to ensureproper functioning of a retraction mechanism. Such vehicles include airvehicles (such as e.g. airplanes or helicopters), road vehicles, (suchas e.g. recreational vehicles), railway vehicles and watercraft (e.g.yachts).

This in particular holds true for flush toilets and sinks where the bowltypically has a relatively large diameter and the related handpiece(hand-held device) is conventionally arranged laterally close-by due toergonomic reasons. Such an arrangement typically causes a narrow freespace where a hose providing the handpiece with liquid has to bearranged when stored. Inserting the hose in such a spatially limitedspace by means of gravity only may cause certain problems as the hosemay touch obstacles inside of the storage space and consequently willnot be fully retracted into the storage space by gravity. Often theresidual portion of the hose has to be pushed manually in the storagespace by applying force, which may cause damage to the tube due tobuckling or bending below a critical minimum bending radius.

In addition, vehicles, in particular aircraft, are usually prone toabrupt acceleration and deceleration during operation, which may notonly impede retraction of the hose driven by gravity-only, but may alsoaffect the alignment of the hose when being in the storage space. Thismay lead to undesired knocking noise. As well the hose may becometangled with obstacles (e.g. electrical, mechanical or plumbing modules)arranged in the storage space such that the hose becomes trapped in thestorage space. Even worse, such tangling may cause kinks to develop inthe hose, which may interrupt or retard the flow within the hose or evenlead to failure of the hose. In contrast to domestic use, leakage ofwater in aircraft may not only cause significant damage to theinstallation space but may also critically interfere with vehiclesafety. This in particular holds true if the storage space for the hoseis not easily accessible for inspection. A storage device as describedherein after is suitable to overcome the above mentioned problems.

A storage device, respectively a system for an extractable hose (hose),according to the invention is normally suitable to be arranged in orincorporating at least one narrow installation space influenced by atleast one module arranged inside or extending into the installationspace. The available installation space may at least partially bedefined by structural parts of the aircraft. In the case of an airplanethis would be at least one element out of the following list ofelements: sidewall, ceiling, stowage bin, partition wall, fuselage skin,strut, stringer, floor, frame, etc.

The storage device preferably comprises a first housing member defininga first storage compartment, wherein the first storage compartment isconfigured to receive at least part of the hose. The hose can beextracted from and inserted into the first storage compartment manuallyand/or automatically via a hose port arranged at the first housingmember. In a preferred embodiment the hose port comprises a noisereducing element. In a variation, one or several deflection pulleys arearranged closed to the hose port and by which the hose can be extractedand inserted. The first housing member comprises at least one spatialcurved wall section adopted to, respectively eluding, the contour of atleast one module arranged inside or extending into the installationspace. The geometry of the first housing member can be defined by anoverlay of at least two installation space. For example, in the case ofseveral airplanes having a similar fuselage but different configurationsof sanitary installations the common available installation space can bedefined by an overlay of the respective configurations.

In a preferred embodiment the first storage compartment in the firsthousing member has a variable cross-section along the length of thehose. The first storage compartment may comprise a protuberance having alarger cross-section then the hose port. The protuberance can beforeseen to receive and store part of the hose and/or to act as areservoir for liquid, especially leaked liquid. Good results areachieved if the protuberance is arranged close to the lowest point ofthe first housing member. If appropriate, the first housing member maycomprise a fluid outlet to drain leaked fluid. Alternatively or inaddition, a liquid sensor can be foreseen to indicate leaked fluid. Verygood results can be achieved if the first housing member is at leastpartially made by an additive manufacturing process, e.g. 3D-printingand/or lamination of fiber reinforced plastic material (compositematerial). Thereby the housing can be adopted to special configurationsof modules extending into the installation space. At least part of theinside of the first housing member may be coated by a friction reducingmeans. The friction reducing means can be a coating applied directly tothe related surface of the first housing member. Alternatively or inaddition, the friction reducing means can be a pad made from orcomprising a friction reducing material such as Teflon®. The firststorage compartment may be designed such that the portion of the hosewhen being inserted in the first storage compartment is brought to apredefined shape by means of gravity and/or a spring loaded retractionmechanism.

Depending on the field of application and the available installationspace, the storage device may comprise a second housing membercomprising a second storage compartment and being interconnected withthe first housing member such that the first and the second storagecompartment form a continuous compartment for receiving at least aportion of the hose. The first and the second housing member may beinterconnected with each other in a separable manner. Good results canbe achieved when the second housing member is at least partially made byan injection molding process. In a preferred embodiment, the storagedevice comprises a retraction mechanism for the hose which is suitableto pull the hose actively into the storage device. The retractionmechanism may be designed as an active retraction mechanism whichexcerpts a constantly and/or temporarily force onto the hose. In apreferred embodiment the retraction mechanism is at least partiallyarranged in the second housing member. The first and/or the secondhousing member may comprise at least one connecting point to connect anauxiliary device, such as e.g. a mixing or a control unit, etc., to thestorage device. The storage device may comprise multiple connectingpoints arranged in a regular pattern suitable to connect to at least oneauxiliary device.

The first housing member and/or the second housing member can at leastpartially be made from a plastic material, in particular from apolyetherimide (PEI) and/or a polyamide (PA). For weight saving reasonthe first housing member and/or the second housing member can leastpartially be made from a fiber reinforce plastic material.

A method for producing a storage device for an extractable hose arrangedin an installation space preferably comprises the following methodssteps. Providing an installations space with at least one moduleextending into the installation space. Adopting a spatial curved wallsection of a first housing member of a first storage compartment of thestorage device to a contour of at least one module extending into theinstallation space. Producing of the first housing member by an additivemanufacturing method. Arranging the first housing member in theinstallation space such that it eludes the at least one module. Goodresults are achieved if the first housing member is produced using anadditive manufacturing method, such as 3D printing, such as a fuseddeposition modeling process (FDM) and/or a light polymerization processand/or a powder bed process. At least the first housing member isnormally made from a fire retardant material.

In contrast to the systems known, the storage device according to theinvention ensures long-term reliable functioning of a retractionmechanism for a hose even when used in vehicles that are subject toabrupt acceleration and deceleration in various directions. Thanks tosuch an active retraction mechanism friction between the hose and thefirst and/or the second housing compartment can be accounted for,leading to increased operator convenience.

Good results may be obtained if the first storage compartment is formedsuch that it fits into different installation spaces defined bydifferent arrangements of at least one module extending into saidinstallation space. This can be achieved in that the differentconfigurations are virtually superimposed in a CAD-Software in thememory of a computer. 3D-printing can be used as an additivemanufacturing method and/or grinding can be used to manufacture apositive or a negative of the first housing member encompassing thefirst storage compartment. If a negative is made from the first housingmember, a positive can be made by laminating of fiber reinforcedmaterial into and/or onto the negative. Thereafter the negative can beat least partially removed if required. Alternatively or in addition,the negative can form part of the first housing member. This allows toadapt the first housing member, respectively the stowage compartment tothe space/geometry available as well as to optimize the shape to allowproper/smooth functioning of the stowage mechanism and prevent criticalbending radii of the tube.

As described in at least variation hereinafter the spring mechanism canbe designed such that it retracts the tube and if not sufficient(varying tube length), the residual tube can fall freely in the definedfirst housing member.

Good results may be obtained if the storage device comprises apositioning or locking system in order to help positioning and/orlocking a handpiece connected to the hose at least temporarily when notbeing used. The locking system may e.g. use magnetic force in order toposition and/or lock the handpiece in a holder. It may also comprise aninduction mechanism, e.g. an inductive coil, in order to heat and/or drythe handpiece.

In order to detect leakage and/or induce a draining process, a liquidsensor may be arranged within the first and/or the second storagecompartment and/or at a fluid line interconnected with the first and/orthe second storage compartment. Thus, leakage can be detected and watersupply could be cut and/or a draining process could be initiated.Particularly reliable detection of leakage can be obtained if thehousing of the storage device is formed such that leaked liquid collectsat one or multiple predefined location of the first and/or the secondstorage compartment and one or multiple liquid sensors are arranged atthis location (respectively these locations). In order the improveoperator convenience the retraction mechanism may be electricallydriven.

In order to increase operator convenience, the storage device maycomprise a ventilation and/or a heating means in order to maintain thetube and liquid therein at a certain temperature and/or to dehumidifythe outer surface of the tube and/or handpiece. Therefore theair-pressure in the first and/or the second storage compartment may beincreased if compared to the passenger compartment.

In order to minimize noise emerging from the storage device, the firstand/or the second housing member may be formed such that their resonancefrequencies, respectively the resonance frequency of the first and/orthe second storage compartment lie within a certain range. Alternativelyor in addition, sound- and/or vibration-damping material may be arrangedat the first and/or second housing member. A storage device according tothe present invention may also be used for a beverage dispensing device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The herein described invention will be more fully understood from thedetailed description of the embodiments given herein below and theaccompanying drawings, which should not be considered as limiting to theinvention described in the appended claims.

FIG. 1 schematically shows a sanitary module comprising a firstembodiment of a storage device according to the invention in a firstperspective view from above;

FIG. 2 shows the sanitary module of FIG. 1 with some of the module wallsbeing removed for illustrative purposes in a second perspective viewfrom below;

FIG. 3 shows the sanitary module of FIGS. 1 and 2 in a third perspectiveview from above;

FIG. 4 shows the sanitary module of FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 with some of thecomponents being removed in a further perspective view from above;

FIG. 5 shows the embodiment of a storage device of FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 in afrontal view;

FIG. 6 shows the embodiment of a storage device of FIG. 5 in a partiallydisassembled state in a frontal view;

FIG. 7 shows in a perspective view from above the embodiment of astorage device of FIG. 1 to FIG. 6 with part of the housing beingremoved for illustrative purposes, the hose being in a storage state;

FIG. 8 shows the embodiment of FIG. 7 with the hose being partiallypulled out of the storage device;

FIG. 9 shows the embodiment of FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 with the hose beingpulled out to a larger extent;

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of a storage device in a perspectiveview from above;

FIG. 11 shows the embodiment of a storage device of FIG. 10 with thehousing being partially clipped for illustrative purposes, the hosebeing in a storage state;

FIG. 12 shows the embodiment of FIG. 11 with the hose being partiallypulled out of the storage device;

FIG. 13 shows a further embodiment of a storage device with the housingbeing partially clipped for illustrative purposes, the hose being in astorage state;

FIG. 14 shows the embodiment of FIG. 13 with the hose being partiallypulled out of the storage device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofthe preferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunctionwith the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustrating theinvention, an embodiment that is presently preferred, in which likenumerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of thedrawings, it being understood, however, that the invention is notlimited to the specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed.

FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 schematically show a first embodiment of a sanitarymodule 10 with a storage device 60 according to the invention. Asmentioned, the invention is not limited to being used for sanitaryapplications only. As shown in FIG. 1, the sanitary module 10 showncomprises a bowl 12 of a flush toilet, a hand-held handpiece 33 thatserves as a bidet spray, respectively source of water, and an auxiliarystowage 13 in order to e.g. stow bathroom tissues or other goods. Asindicated in FIG. 2, the sanitary module 10 comprises an installationspace 11 which in a vehicle will be typically restricted in outerspatial dimensions by encompassing structural parts 17.

In the shown embodiment, beside the bowl 12 and the auxiliary stowage 13which both reach (as modules) into and thereby take influence on theinstallation space 11, the installation space 11 in addition can bedelimited by different configurations of multiple modules 14 thattypically fill a significant portion of the installation space 11, ase.g. shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.

In the embodiment as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 a storage device 60 isarranged adjacent to a front wall 16 of the sanitary module 10,mechanically interconnected to the sanitary module 10 by fastening means67. One advantage of the invention is that at least the first housingmember 61 can be flexibly adopted to the available installation space 11and the therein arranged other modules, while the other parts of thestorage device can remain standardized.

As shown e.g. in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the hose storage device 60 comprisesa first housing member 62 that encloses a first storage compartment 63which is configured to receive a portion of the hose 30 via hose port 64arranged in the first housing member 62. The first storage compartment63 is formed such that the portion of the hose 30 when being arranged inthe first storage compartment 63 takes a shape that is at leastpartially defined by the shape of the first storage compartment 63, asillustrated e.g. in FIG. 4.

The first housing member 62 is shaped such that it fits in the freeinstallation volume of the installation space 11 while ensuring that aportion of a hose 30 arranged in the first compartment 63 is not bentbelow a structurally critical minimum bending radius r of it. Thereforethe storage device 60 for the extractable hose 30 is arranged in theinstallation space 11. The storage device 60 comprises the first housingmember 62 defining on the inside a first storage compartment 63. Asmentioned above the first storage compartment 63 is configured to houseat least a portion of the hose 30 which extends from the first storagecompartment 63 via the hose port 64 arranged at one end of the firsthousing member 62. The first housing member 62 has at least one spatialcurved wall section 69 adopted to the contour of at least one module 14extending into the installation space 11.

FIG. 5 shows the storage device 60 as shown in FIGS. 1-4 in a frontview. FIG. 6 is showing the storage device 60 in a separated manner.FIGS. 7-8 are showing the inside of the storage device 60. The storagedevice 60 comprises a housing 61 with a first housing member 62encompassing a first storage compartment 63 and a second housing member65 encompassing a second storage compartment 66 for storing a hose 30 onthe inside. The hose 30 can be extracted from and inserted into thestorage device 60 via a hose port 64 against a force of a retractionmechanism 70 arranged in the second housing member 65 and as e.g.visible in FIGS. 7-8.

In the shown variation, the retraction mechanism 70 comprises arotatable mounted deflection roller 70 which is arranged lineardisplaceable in a transversal direction (arrow 76) against the force ofa spring member 72. The spring member 72, e.g. in the form of a coilspring or a rubber band having a certain length, extends along an upperedge 73 of the second housing member 65 parallel to the hose 30. Thespring member 72 is deflected by at least one guide roller 75. Oneadvantage of the shown retraction mechanism 70 is that it iscomparatively flat and compact, and therefore easy to install in narrowspaces.

Depending on the installation space, as shown hereinafter, other kindsof retraction mechanisms can be foreseen if appropriate. A rear end ofthe flexible hose 30 is interconnected to an inlet 74. The hose 30 isdeflected by the deflection roller 71 and then continues into the firststorage compartment of the first housing member 62. While the secondhousing member 65 comprising the retraction mechanism 70 preferably arestandardized parts, the first housing member 62 is an individuallyadopted element which is designed according installation spaceavailable. Good results are achieved if the first housing member 62 isat least partially made by an additive manufacturing process, such ase.g. 3D-printing. The first housing member 62 comprises a protuberance59 forming the lowest point of the housing 61. In the shown variation asvisible in FIG. 7 the protuberance 59 is designed to receive a part ofthe hose 30 when the shower hear 33 is arranged in the hose port 64.Furthermore the protuberance 59 is suitable to collect leaked liquidwhich e.g. flows back along the hose. It can be interconnected to adrainage 81. Alternatively or in addition a liquid sensor (humiditysensor) can be foreseen to indicate presence of liquid in theprotuberance 59.

As e.g. visible in FIGS. 5-6 the first and the second housing member 62,65 are designed as separate parts which are interconnected to each otherby a first and a second flange 77, 78.

A storage device 60 for an extractable hose 30 is arranged in aninstallation space 11. The storage device 60 comprises a first housingmember 62 comprising on the inside a first storage compartment 63, whichis configured to house at least a portion of the hose 30 which isextractable from the first storage compartment via a hose port 64arranged at the first housing member 62. The first housing member 62 hasat least one spatial curved wall section 69 specifically adopted to ancontour of at least one module 14 extending into the installation space11 which normally prevents the installation of standardized parts. Incase of several relatively similar arrangements, the availableinstallation space 11 can defined by an overlay of at least twoconfigurations of modules 14 extending into the installation space 11.The first storage compartment 63 in the first housing member 62 may havea variable cross-section along the length of the hose 30. Alternativelyor in addition, the first storage compartment 63 in the first housingmember 62 may have a protuberance 59 suitable to receive part of thehose 30. As e.g. visible in FIGS. 5-6 the protuberance preferably formsthe lowest point of the first housing member 62 such that e.g. leakingfluid can be collected therein. If appropriate the first housing member62 may comprise a fluid outlet 81 and/or a liquid sensor 82. In apreferred variation, the first housing member 62 is at least partiallymade by an additive manufacturing process, e.g. 3D printing and/orlamination of a composite material. Alternatively or in addition, thefirst housing member 62, at least during installation in theinstallation, space 11 can have an adjustable design. However, it ispreferable that the first housing member 62 does not deform in anegative manner, when the hose 30 is extracted from it. The firsthousing member 62 may in the longitudinal direction of the hose 30comprise several segments which during installation are adjustablerelative to each other, e.g. the adjustable segments are pivot connectedto each other. The first storage compartment 63 is formed such that aportion of the hose 30 when being inserted in the first storagecompartment 63 is brought to a predefined shape by means of gravity. Toreduce friction, especially in narrow and bend areas, the first housingmember 62 can at least partially be coated by a friction reducing means,such as pads made from or coated with e.g. Teflon® or a similarmaterial.

In the variations as shown in FIGS. 1-8 the storage device 60 comprisesa second housing member 65 comprising a second storage compartment 66and being interconnected with the first housing member 62 such that thefirst and the second storage compartment 63, 66 form a continuouscompartment for receiving at least a portion of the hose 30. The firstand the second housing member 62, 65 are interconnected with each otherin a separable manner by a first and a second flange 77, 78. The storagedevice 60 comprises a retraction mechanism 70 for the hose 30, which isarranged in the second housing member 65. The first housing member 62 atleast partially transfers the force necessary to extract the hose 30from the hose port 64 between the hose port 64 and the retractionmechanism 70 interconnected to the second housing member 65. The firstand/or the second housing member 62, 65 may comprise at least oneconnecting point 68 to connect an auxiliary device, such as a mixturevalve 50 to the storage device 60. The storage device 60 may comprisemultiple connecting points 68 arranged in a regular pattern. Goodresults can be achieved when the first housing member 62 and/or thesecond housing member 65 are at least partially made from a plasticmaterial, in particular from a polyetherimide PEI and/or a polyamide PAor from a ceramic material or from a metal.

FIGS. 10-12 and FIGS. 13-14 show a second and a third variation of asanitary module 10 in a simplified manner. Both modules comprise aninstallation space 11 into which modules 14 are arranged or reach into,e.g. such as a bowl 12. In the variation according to FIGS. 10-12 thefirst housing member 62 has a tubular shape encompassing a first storagecompartment 63 having an in principal constant diameter along thegeneral extension of the hose 30. The wall of the first housing member62 is spatially curved around the bowl 12 which extends into theinstallation space 11. In this variation the hose 30 is itself comprisesa helical spring section and is thereby elastically expandable from thehose port 64. The hose 30 incorporates thereby the retraction mechanism70. The outer diameter of the helical shaped hose 30 is smaller than theinside diameter of the tubular first housing member 62. FIG. 11 showsthe hose in the contracted position completely arranged inside the firststorage compartment. FIG. 12 shows the hose 30 partially extendedthrough the hose port 64. One advantage of the shown variation is thesimple, robust and compact design. The design of the first housingmember 62 can easily be adopted to the specific installation space 11available in the sanitary module 10. If appropriate, the first housingmember can be equipped by a drainage which is preferably arranged at thelowest position of the first housing member. FIGS. 13-14 show a thirdvariation of a storage device 60. The storage device 60 comprises anextractable hose 30 and is arranged in a narrow installation space 11.The storage device 60 comprises a first housing member 62 defining afirst storage compartment 63. The first storage compartment 63 isconfigured to house at least a portion of the hose 30 which isextractable from the first storage compartment 63 via a hose port 64arranged at one end of the first housing member 62. The outer wall ofthe first housing member 62 is spatial curved eluding the contour of thebowl 12 which extending into the installation space 11. The firsthousing member 62 can at least during installation in the installationspace 11 have an adjustable design, e.g. by being bendable. The firsthousing member 62 can in longitudinal direction of the hose 30 compriseseveral segments (not shown in detail) which during installation areadjustable relative to each avoiding obstacles. Good results can beachieved when the adjustable segments may be pivot connected to eachother. The storage device 60 comprises a second housing member 65 whichis interconnected to the first housing. It a second storage compartment66. The first and the second storage compartment 63, 66 form acontinuous compartment for receiving at least a portion of the hose 30.

1. A storage device (60) for an extractable hose (30) arranged in aninstallation space (11), comprising: a. a first housing member (62)defining a first storage compartment (63), the first storage compartment(63) configured to house at least a portion of the hose (30) which isextractable from the first storage compartment via a hose port (64)arranged at the first housing member (62), wherein: b. the first housingmember (62) has at least one spatial curved wall section (69) eludingthe contour of at least one module (14) extending into the installationspace (11).
 2. The storage device (60) according to claim 1, wherein theinstallation space (11) is defined by an overlay of at least twoconfigurations of modules (14) extending into the installation space(11).
 3. The storage device (60) according to claim 1, wherein the firststorage compartment (63) in the first housing member (62) has a variablecross-section along the length of the hose (30).
 4. The storage device(60) according to claim 3, wherein the first storage compartment (63) inthe first housing member (62) has a protuberance (59) suitable toreceive part of the hose (30).
 5. The storage device (60) according toclaim 4, wherein the protuberance (59) forms a lowest point of the firsthousing member (62).
 6. The storage device (60) according to claim 1,wherein the first housing member (62) comprises a fluid outlet (81)and/or a liquid sensor (82).
 7. The storage device (60) according toclaim 1, wherein the first housing member (62) is at least partiallymade by an additive manufacturing process.
 8. (canceled)
 9. The storagedevice (60) according to claim 1, wherein the first housing member (62),in a longitudinal direction of hose (30), comprises several adjustablesegments which during installation are adjustable relative to eachother.
 10. The storage device (60) according to claim 9, wherein theadjustable segments are pivot connected to each other, and/or at leastone of the adjustable segments is bent.
 11. (canceled)
 12. The storagedevice (60) according to claim 1, wherein the first storage compartment(63) is formed such that a portion of the hose (30) when being insertedin the first storage compartment (63) is brought to a predefined shapeby gravity.
 13. (canceled)
 14. The storage device (60) according toclaim 1, wherein the first housing member (62) incorporates and/or is atleast partially coated by a friction reducing material and/or a noisereducing material.
 15. The storage device (60) according to claim 1,wherein the storage device (60) comprises a second housing member (65)comprising a second storage compartment (66) interconnected with thefirst housing member (62) such that the first and the second storagecompartment (63, 66) form a continuous compartment for receiving atleast a portion of the hose (30).
 16. The storage device (60) accordingto claim 15, wherein the first and the second housing member (62, 65)are interconnected with each other in a separable manner.
 17. Thestorage device (60) according to claim 1, wherein the storage device(60) comprises a retraction mechanism (70) for the hose (30).
 18. Thestorage device (60) according to claim 17, wherein the retractionmechanism (70) is interconnected to a second housing member (65). 19.The storage device (60) according to claim 18, wherein the first housingmember (62) transfers the force necessary to extract the hose (30) fromthe hose port (64) between the hose port (64) and the retractionmechanism (70) interconnected to the second housing member (65).
 20. Thestorage device (60) according to claim 15, wherein the first and/or thesecond housing member (62, 65) comprises at least one connecting point(68) to connect an auxiliary device (50) to the storage device (60). 21.The storage device (60) according to claim 20, wherein the storagedevice (60) comprises multiple connecting points (68) arranged in aregular pattern.
 22. (canceled)
 23. A hose storage assembly (10)comprising a storage device (60) according to claim 1 and a hose (30)arranged at least partially in the first storage compartment (63).24-25. (canceled)
 26. A method for producing a storage device (60) foran extractable hose (30) according to claim 1, comprising the methodssteps of: a. providing the installations space (11) with at least onemodule (14) extending into the installation space (11); b. adopting theat least one spatial curved wall section of the first housing member(62) of the first storage compartment (63) of the storage device (60) toa contour of at least one configuration of the at least one module (14)extending into the installation space (11); c. producing the firsthousing member (62) by an additive manufacturing method. 27-29.(canceled)